OK so I have been busy...

Sorry! I have been super busy lately and have neglected my poor little blog! So here's an update :) a LONGGGGGG update!

Tony returned home from a successful 7 month deployment on December 8th. His dad & I met him at base and after 3 hours of waiting in the coldest weather Virginia Beach had seen thus far this year and 20 mile an hour winds, he finally showed up, flowers in hand, and even more gorgeous than I remembered him :) OK so this is not the best picture but it was too cold to be picky!!! haha...

Since then, we have been getting the house back in order... we finally got our new tv, which is ridiculously HUGE and we bought a new entertainment center for the living room, too. It looks fantastic... and I'll have to post some pictures sometime soon. Tony is awaiting the arrival of his new 2010 Mustang GT, and the poor thing is driving my old Elantra until it's built and delivered. He also did an overhaul on the yard which was starting to look like a jungle, but now it looks great :)

We had Madison for a whole week and boy oh boy is she a big girl now! She is speaking so well and can sing her ABCs, Jingle Bells, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, as well as a bunch of different Barney and Snow White songs. She has grown up so much in 7 months! We took her to see the lights at the Botanical Gardens and she loved it... it was so much fun spending time with my little family!

Today, Tony and I decided to celebrate our "Christmas" since for the actual Christmas we'll be in Reston, Va with his family. No point in lugging up all those gifts just to bring them right back home!!! Tony did a fabulous job: he bought me a beautiful 1/4 carat Everlon diamond pendant which I have been drooling over for months, an HP Photosmart Premium printer/scanner/copy/fax machine!!! YAYYY!!!, the aforementioned Rudolph slippers that I asked him for, 12 bottles of my FAVORITE wine in the whole wide world: Washington Hill Riesling, a Steelers gnome, a $50 Borders gift certificate, a Clemson Mr Potato Head, and wine savers! Am I a lucky girl or what?????



He loved his gifts from me, too, which included the kegorator (of course), a digital photo frame that plays pictures, videos, and music, a new beardtrimmer, a digital golf scorekeeper, Abercrombie cologne, and spicy pistachios.

It has been amazing having him home and I can't wait to spend more wonderful holidays together!

To Shhhhhh or Not To Shhhhhhh, THAT is the question!

OPSEC rules strictly forbid posting information pertaining to homecoming dates, times, ports, etc., for the security of the sailors... but the dates are ALL OVER the news here in Norfolk! I have found creative (and ridiculous) ways to "countdown" to the day Tony gets home on my blog, facebook, and any other public forum... but now that the dates are out to the media, do I still have to keep my big mouth shut???? I honestly could scream I am so anxious and nervous and excited and this top secret crap is only making it worse!

I vent, therefore I blog...

I've been warned that the last week or so is the hardest... but I am about to lose my mind! I honestly have so much to do that there needs to be about 40 hours in a day... however I OF COURSE don't want the days to be longer because that means longer until Tony gets home! Quite a conundrum I am in... and then....

SWINE FLU.

I think I have it. I am not a hypochondriac... I actually am quite the opposite. I HATE the doctor so I downplay every illness, bump, bruise, FEVER, etc. But I woke up this morning with a 103 fever and my face is so hot it is actually BLISTERING (THATS gonna be cute for when Tony gets home, right?) Yes, blistering sweaty face, and yet my extremities are so cold that my fingertips actually look bluish. That can't be good.

Perhaps I am having a negative reaction to Tony's absence... then again, you'd think if I can survive the first 6 and a half months I could survive the LAST WEEK! God hates me.

On a lighter note, I had a nice time in Pittsburgh with my family for Thanksgiving. I ate so much stuffing that my stomach probably went into shock. Maybe that is whats wrong with me... does binging cause a fever? I got to take my baby sister out on the town for the first time (ok so maybe she's not a baby anymore since she turned 21...). I got to spend some QT with my BFF Stephanie and my cousin Bobby who seems to be doing great for himself :) Here's a couple pictures from our night out in South Side at Town Tavern:

Well if that's not the most beautiful words...

I checked the Bataan site today to find the most beautiful words ever:

"Capt. Sam Howard, USS Bataan (LHD 5) commanding officer, welcomes Douglas A. Silliman, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, to a reception in the ship’s hangar bay Nov. 16, 2009, during the Bataan's regularly scheduled port visit to Izmir, Turkey. Bataan left the port city Nov. 19 to begin transit to its homeport of Norfolk, Va., following a seven month deployment conducting Maritime Security Operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility."

Almost home my love!

Dear Santa...

Well "Santa" a.k.a. Tony asked me what I want for Christmas this year and I am really struggling!!! First off, I want him home safe... we're just weeks away from that - and he seems to insist on getting me something in addition to "him in a bow." Next I asked for these super duper cute Rudolph slippers!!!! But apparently he wants to spend more than 30 bucks on me... I have been a good girl.

I've thought about asking for a toy schnauzer or a maltipoo puppy... but we already have Tasha & Briana, and though I'd love a new little baby, I think 3 may be excessive...

Then I thought about asking for an ACC Championship from my Clemson Tigers and a Super Bowl Championship from my Pittsburgh Steelers... but "apparently" Santa can't pull those strings...

So I am stuck!!!!! Any ideas????

A match made in heaven: Impatient Impulse Buyers.

It has been confirmed today that Tony and I are truly meant for each other. I never thought I'd find someone as impatient and impulsive as I am...

Tony asked for a kegerator for Christmas, which is obviously the ultimate "man gift" - at least, the ultimate man gift without a hemi... so I of course bought him one. I, however, do not find it the least bit fun to give people gifts that they already expect, so I concocted a plan to convince him that the kegerator was out of my budget due to the fact that we purchased a 60 inch plasma tv for the living room (notice a trend with our spending??? He is a lucky guy, ay?)
I had it all figured out. I would email him and tell him the kegerator was too expensive with shipping and cleaning kits etc etc, and then I would hide the kegerator in our neighbor's garage until just before Christmas. Then I would wrap the cleaning kit and put it under our tree and when he opened it it would be a great surprise!!!!!!!!

But no.

I email that butthead and he responds with, "thats ok babe. I'm gonna look online now and order it for myself." UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH plan spoiled!!!! No wonder it is so hard to buy him presents, he buys everything he wants the moment he thinks of it! ...sighh..... maybe his stocking will be a surprise...

Nasty November

Why is it always the month of November? On paper, November would appear to be a fabulous month: brisk fall temperatures that support skinny jeans with boots and light leather jackets, yet are never cold enough to warrant bulky winter attire; Steelers and Tigers football in full swing; days off work for Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving... but no, it never ends up that way for me! November always SUCKS!

Case 1: Last November... I was "patiently" awaiting the results of my National Board Certification. The portfolio was due in March, and I took the test in June, but had to wait until November for the results. By the beginning of November when my district sent out the "Expect them any day now" email, I was so worked up and worried about that darn certification that I barely ate, barely slept, and felt as if I was on the verge of a mental breakdown until I finally found out I passed on November 21.

That last November, however, has been NOTHING compared this this November!!! Talk about waiting 6 months for results of National Boards, try waiting 7 months for your boyfriend to return safely from a deployment... someone find me a straight jacket already... Add to that the crazy amount of stress I have been having at work...

Last year at Spring Valley I was teaching the same two preps I taught the previous 4 years, AND I had a student teacher, James (whats up James!) who cut my workload by a TON because we shared grading, copying, teaching, etc. NOW I have 2 new preps - US/VA Government and AP Government - which pretty much has me grading from sun up to sun down every day.

Then yesterday I was hanging a shelf I bought for the guest room... It took me 2 hours. TWO HOURS to hang a shelf. Why? Because Jennifer doesn't do tools. (Though it did come out nicely when it was done :) and yes, I know I haven't put pictures in the 2 smaller frames yet...)

Then of course.... OF FREAKING COURSE... something ELSE had to go terribly wrong! I wake up this morning to find out that the entire Virginia Beach area is underwater - therefore, EVERYTHING is closed... Here's a picture of some lucky folks in Norfolk, and have fun finding Va Beach on that doppler radar...

>

yay, right? NO. I walk into my computer room and feel that the carpet is soaked. I pick my computer up off the floor, put towels down, and check the ceiling. Nothing. The window is closed... hmm.... the water appears to be coming from the floor?

So I walk downstairs to find a HUGE LEAK above the window and water dripping out of the vent! NASTY BROWN YUCKY RAIN WATER!!!!!!! The water was gathering above the window and forming a latex paint bubble that Daniel had to puncture and drain! SERIOUSLY MOTHER-FREAKIN-NATURE?????????? SERIOUSLY!?!?!?

Super Freakonomics!!!!!

I was window shopping in the Greenbrier Mall today. Normally, I am not a window shopper. But on this particular Sunday, I went to the mall thinking it was 12:30pm (because that's what my car clock said) and then was greeted by fenced in stores (because I forgot to set my car clock back an hour for daylight savings time). Instead of heading home for 30 minutes, I decided to wait it out. Thank GOD I did! As I walked by Waldenbooks, I SAW IT!!!! SUPER FREAKONOMICS!!!!!

Let me preface this by saying that Freakonomics by Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner is my absolute favorite book, and I must have been living in a cave because I had NO CLUE that they were releasing a sequel! Well obviously I went in and bought it (at noon when the store opened) and I am about to crack it open for the first time. I'm jittering with excitement!

If you've never read Freakonomics and you like nonfiction, I would highly recommend it!

Hmmmm.... Homecoming.....

No I don't mean high school homecoming... I mean NAVY homecoming... which is quickly approaching! Not quickly enough, mind you.... but quickly nonetheless. Since this is my first time dealing with a homecoming, I find myself full of questions. I'm hoping you can answer some!

1. Will I look retarded if I am screaming like a teeny bopper at an NKOTB concert? Because I am not sure that I can contain myself, but I'd hate to embarrass my sailor.

2. Can anyone recommend a mascara that will withstand 3.76 tons of tears? Happy tears of course.

3. How long can you kiss before you lose oxygen to your brain? I don't wanna kill him right when he gets home... but I will have 7 months of missed smooches to make up for.

4. Would it be inappropriate to skip work for the remainder of the year so that I can spend time with my man? Other teachers out there.... do you think I'd get fired? The kids' education can wait til January, right?

5. Last but not least... would I be unappealing if I peed my pants from the excitement? I might need to dehydrate for the few days before he gets home...

On another note... the Bataan site had another cool picture of the LCACs from ACU-4... you can't see the number on this one, so I don't know if it's Tony's craft... but still a cool picture.

Wasps vs. Griffin Girls

My friend Christina and I went to Busch Gardens Williamsburg last Friday for Howl-O-Scream. It was a blast... and though I love me some Carowinds, Busch Gardens definitely put Scarowinds to shame. They had a TON of full out haunted houses and trails... the kind you'd normally pay 10 bucks a pop to visit... all inside the park! The scariest things were the ghosts that were on bungee cords that would bungee down from the trees to scare you... well, actually, that was ALMOST the scariest thing.... they couldn't compare to the GRIFFIN!!!!


No, the rollercoaster itself was not scary. It was super fun. Your typical super duper steep feel like you are free falling type steel coaster. The scary part was what they announced just MOMENTS before we got on the ride! Here's the story:

Christina and I had waited about 30 minutes in line for the front seats on the Griffin. We were convinced it was the only way to go. So after watching pre-teens and trashy old folks grope each other in line for 30 minutes (what is it about amusement parks that makes people so flippin' horny????? gross.) they made an announcement:

"Attention Griffin riders: If you are allergic to, or simply afraid of, WASPS!!!!!!!!!!! please do not ride this ride. There are swarms of wasps on the lift."

WHHHAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTT???? Did he say WASPS?????????????? Did he say SWARMS OF WASPS???????

I couldn't breathe. I felt my knees weaken. I turned to Christina and told her there was NO WAY I was getting on the ride. She (who is apparently not afraid of wasps) tried to convince me we should still ride, as we had waited 30 minutes - our longest line all day... So I asked the guys working the ride how bad the wasps were. "Well there's about 30 or so... but you'll probably be fine." Oh probably? Oh grrrreattttt PROBABLY... I'll PROBABLY throw a hissy on my way up and get stung to death!!!!

Christina did not find my b*tching to be amusing. I sucked it up and got strapped in. "Great, no escape." We began our ascent and I see the wasps being all sneaky and waspy on the lift. I closed my eyes and hoped for the best. I, of course, made it up the lift sans sting. But honestly, that was the scariest part of Howl-O-Scream... BY FAR!!!!

Halloween!

Well, the Queen of creative Halloween costumes drew a blank this year... well, actually, I had a stellar idea to go as "The money you could be saving on car insurance" but I was slackin' on my mackin' and I don't know if I have time to make it now... so, I went with a store bought costume - which I swore I'd never do... but at least it's cute!



Here are a few of my favorite Halloween costumes of past...

2006 - I was a Q-tip!

2007 - I was Big Bird :)

2008 - I was mustard, and Steph was ketchup.... aka "condom-mints"

More Super Cool Pictures!

Well when I saw that the Bataan site was updated I immediately emailed Tony to tell him how excited I was. Turns out that butt had a ton of pictures from out there he hadn't sent to me! I guess he didn't think I'd care about pictures of his craft... silly boy. So upon hearing of my interest, he emailed me the following pictures. His craft is LCAC 71... I found it in at least 2 (one is from below, the weird circly shaped picture, so I won't repost that one...)

Tony's craft!!!!

Finally some LCAC Love!

After more than 5 months of incessantly checking the Bataan website, finally they posted something about ACU-4! There are pictures and a news story up on the site now of the ops that Tony has been telling me about this past week. These pictures were taken in Alexandria, Egypt. Isn't the water gorgeous!?!? I just wish you could see the numbers on the LCACs so I knew which one he was on... oh well, I'll take what I can get! So proud of my babe :)

Top Ten Low-cal Foods that TASTE like High-cal Food!!!

I know a million of my friends, myself included, who have embarked on the low-cal journey only to get sick of it after 2-3 weeks and start housing chips & helluva good french onion dip and making stops at Taco Bell on their way home from work... Why? Low-cal foods taste like low-cal foods and foods that taste low-cal are NOT satisfying! I can honestly say I've never CRAVED salad... well unless you put loads of croutons, cheese, dressing, candied pecans, and coconut shrimp on top.... (Joe's Crab Shack... num num num) So though I can't guarantee these options will set you on the right track forever, here's my top ten low-cal foods (and drinks) that taste high-cal... which at least oughtta buy you 2 months...

10. Apples with Caramel Dip packs - 90 calories
They have started selling 90 calorie packs of apples with caramel in the produce section of Walmart.(You can also get 110 calorie packs of apple with caramel and peanuts if you like...) They give you a good bit of caramel, enough that you feel like you are "cheating," but you really aren't. The individual packs are great to take to work, too! Yum!

9. Green Giant Just For One Cauliflower and Cheese Sauce - 40 calories
Another great single serving option from Green Giant! The cheese doesn't taste low cal... and cauliflower tastes very "carbalicious" for my potato lovers like me... a great substitute when you are craving something starchy!

8. Shrimp cocktail - 100 calories
This one is obviously going to depend on your serving size, but 20 small shrimp are only like 40 calories, and cocktail sauce isn't bad either. I always associate shrimp cocktail with fancy restaurants so I love picking up a mini tray for myself when I'm craving fancy food :)

7. Turkey Vegetable Soup - 200 calories
I make this soup in the crock pot all winter long like it is my JOB. It is sooo easy and VERY low cal as long as you use lean ground turkey. Just brown & drain the turkey, add 1 can low sodium beef broth, 1 can tomato soup, 1 can petite diced tomatoes, and one bag of frozen vegetable soup mix (I like the Food Lion brand because it has okra). I add garlic & onion powder, too... and a little pepper to taste. Leave it in the crock pot on high for 3.5 hours and you have 4 substantial servings! It is great to freeze for later as well.

6. Dannon Light & Fit White Chocolate Raspberry yogurt - 80 calories
Let me start by saying I am NOT a yogurt fan... but I tried this yogurt the other day and almost passed out with how satisfying it was. I could have eaten 3 packs of it... and only 80 calories!!!!

5. Progresso Light Santa Fe Style Chicken Soup - 160 calories in the whole can
I've found that most low-cal soups are bland and mostly broth, but not this one. Its spicy enough to keep your taste buds on their tippy toes and filling enough for a whole meal. By far the best light soup (out of a can) that I've ever had.

4. Angel Food Cake - 140
I bet you didn't know Angel Food Cake was so low-cal!!! IT IS!!! Top it with some strawberries and oh Lordy - party in my mouth!!!

3. Mango Chipotle Tilapia - 180
A1 makes a Mango Chipotle marinade that is to die for, and low calorie as well. I put it on tilapia fillets and broil them for about 8 minutes, until it flakes with a fork. Its so flavorful and really healthy, too.

2. General Foods International Coffee Sugar Free Chai Latte - 80 calories
I am a Starbucks FANATIC... and the hardest thing for me when I am trying to eat healthy is avoiding my double tall caramel macchiato. This sugar free mix from General Foods is the next best thing! It reminds me of Christmas for some reason... so filling, and great for cold winter nights!

1. Strawberry Soup - 120 calories/serving
If you haven't tried it yet... I suggest running to the store now to pick up the ingredients... you will be in love! I first made the non-low-cal version, which still wasn't even bad.... but Tatiana gave me the idea to cut down the cal count and it is just as good! Here's the recipe:
In food processor, process 1 quart fresh strawberries (hulled) until smooth. Then add 1/3 cup ginger ale, 1/4 cup skim milk, 1/3 cup equal(or any other cal-free sweetener), 1 tsp. vanilla extract, and 1 tbs lemon juice and process until blended. Pour into serving bowl and wisk in 1 cup fat free sour cream. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Makes about 6 servings.
A-MA-ZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy dieting ;)

If I never see another sequin again...

IT WILL BE TOO SOON!!!! OK, I have always been "crafty" and "creative" and blah blah... but this snowman stocking for Tony is KILLING me! No joke... I have put in a solid 10-11 hours on it already and I am not even a quarter of the way done. Do you realize how many pieces there are on that snowman? OVER 100!!!!!!! And that is just the felt... that doesn't even include the HUNDREDS of sequins and beads and buttons I have to sew on that thing... and let's not even get into how long it takes me to thread that darn beading needle EVERY TIME... who's idea was this anyway? I should have started back in JUNE!

Now that I vented... he is, of course, so very worth every pin prick :)

Ten Days In...

I am happy to report that 10 days in I am already down 2 pounds :) I have cut out all carbs with the exception of fruit & whatever carbs are in my 240 calorie lean cuisine lunches... (and one lunch at Azteca with the work crew, because Babcock twisted my arm...) I feel great and I went NUTS at Express the other day where I found myself to be "swimming" in a size 4 and comfortably in a size 2 - with room to spare! I even had someone at work today ask if I had lost weight, woot woot woot!

Let me be clear... I am in no way shape or form suggesting that at 5'6", 118 lbs, I am "overweight," but with my frame (I have no hips... and I mean NO HIPS....) 115 is perfect for me. I wear a size 4.5 ring for crying out loud... most 8 year olds have bigger hands than me...

In related news, Tony gave me "the code" today and he will be home a few days earlier than expected! YAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!! We are under the 2 month mark now so I'm in crunch time :) Wish me luck!

Bucilla Stockings

My mom made Bucilla Christmas stockings for my whole family & I have always loved them. So, though I know Tony LOVES his Redskins stockings, I've decided to be crafty and sew him a stocking this year. I decided on the golfing snowman and I am starting it today!



I'd have to say its pretty creepy that the sample picture has "Andy" embroidered on it... but Tony's brother's name is Andy, too, so we'll just say it's after him :)

Also, my mom is sending down my stocking from when I was a kid, and she is going to sew Madison a stocking for her Christmas present! I am so excited to hang them on the mantle for when he comes home!!!!

Let the countdown (and the weigh-ins) begin!

OK so for safety reasons I am not allowed to post dates of when Tony will be arriving home, so you will just have to trust me when I say we are in the final stretch! I have been hovering around 120 pounds since I got here in VA... increased time at work and alcohol intake have kept me from losing any more weight. Well, that all stops tomorrow! I am officially beginning my countdown slimdown tomorrow... I went grocery shopping today and it was depressing. I basically got all lean white meats (chicken, fish, turkey) and fruits & veggies... no bad carbs, no dairy (other than some organic fat free milk), and noooooo junk food! I didn't even get 100 calorie snow puffs because I always end up eating 3 at a time which defeats the purpose of calling it a "100 calorie pack." I figured if I blog about my slimdown I will feel more accountable :) And Captain Crosby will guilt trip me if I cheat, haha.

So, officially I am weighing in at 120.3 pounds. Goal weight: 115. Wish me luck!

My (mis)Adventures with Anters and Sporpions

I'm going to begin this post by saying that in no way shape or form am I over my bug-o-phobia... However, living alone has hardened me to certain creepy crawlies that love to keep me company here in Chesapeake. I have actually murdered approximately 7 variations of said creepy crawlies since I moved here two months ago. I feel I should share my inspirational stories with you in hopes of giving other bug-o-phobes hope.

First off... Anters. Anters are Ants that have grown 8 legs and try to pretend to be spiders, but they are not. Well, either that, or they are Spiders that have morphed their appearance so people who aren't afraid of ants will not smoosh them. Anters start very small and within 3-4 days have grown to the size of a LARGE daddy-long-legger. I know this because I saw an Anter for the first time about 2 weeks ago and it was about the size of an everlasting gobstopper, and three to four days later it was huge. I know THIS because I did not kill it because I was still afraid of Anters back then, so I just avoided that corner of the house. I thought until today that Anters were harmless. However, I have found them to be vicious vengeant beasts:

Anter (mis)Adventure #1:
Yesterday I saw a large Anter in my bathroom. Though I am confident in my ability to murder anters (they aren't very fast moving, so I thought) I was not comfortable with only a few sheets of one-ply TP between that rascall and my hands. So, I ran to the kitchen to get a (ok not "a," more like 18) paper towels. I ran back upstairs and the Anter had disappeared. Blasphemy. I searched and searched for the Anter all night, and woke up 3-4 times afraid it was going to be hovering above me or something. Nothing. UNTIL I woke up in the morning, and had TWO spider bites on my arm!!! That bastard had stalked me all night and got me when I was most vulnerable. It strolled up my arm like a freaking runway on Americans Next Top Model. Needless to say, the next time I see an Anter - it's gonna pay.

Next creepy crawly that loves the 'Peake is the Sporpion. A Sporpion is a little black spider with 2 claws like a scorpion. It may even be a member of the lobster family, though I am not sure. Sporpions have very long shelf lives... in fact, there is a sporpion across the room from me right now that has been in my guest bedroom for 5 days. I do NOT kill sporpions... they are crunchy and hard to kill. Daniel took a broom to one in the kitchen once and it took 2 or 3 whacks with a shoe before it gave in. I did, however, find myself in a one-on-one battle with a sporpion not too long ago.

Sporpion (mis)Adventure #2:
The day: Tuesday, September 22, 2009. The time: 3:30 pm. I was just getting home from work when I went to check the mail. I grabbed the huge stack of mail in the mailbox and headed inside, where I plopped it on the kitchen counter. As soon as I set down the NEX ads, I saw it: A SPORPION!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I screamed!!!!! AHHHHHH!!!! The sporpion could smell my fear and it began encroaching... I panicked... it was coming for me... it was now or never... I grabbed a paper towel and smacked the sporpion as hard as I could onto the floor. I could not step on it - I had on my favorite pair of BCBG heels that day - I had to think quickly. With only 2 thin paper towels in my hand I began to smash smash smash it onto the floor... screaming DIE SPORPION!!! I could feel it fighting back... the sporpion was practically bench pressing the weight of my body. But I wouldn't give in. I grabbed the sporpion, still fighting for life, in between two fingers and CRUNCH! It was dead. I probably burned off my entire lean cuisine lunch in that 30 seconds.

Anters and Sporpions are disgusting, nasty, creepy, crunchy, grotesque insect hybrids. But with determination, even the biggest bug-o-phobe can overcome.

The Video Music Awards

I just attempted to watch the VMAs (let's call it "Professional Development") & made it through the MJ tribute and about 2.5 minutes of Russell Brand before I started vomiting in my mouth a little bit... no wonder our kids these days are over-sexed, over-drugged, and politically unaware... all of a sudden I feel an impending sense of doom for the future of our country... thanks MTV and the fabulous left-wing media...

Number one...
Why is a drugged out British nobody making comments about American politics? And what is this "free healthcare" you speak of... because last I checked, those of us that have jobs, will be paying for it... IN TAXES. Shall we examine the European countries that have all had FAILED attempts at Universal Healthcare???

Number two...
Why did the same drugged out British nobody refer to Katie Perry's anatomy as a "glorious entrance?" I am all about the occasional "dirty joke" but really, every kid in America from 8-18 is watching this stupid show... and we're gonna make comments like that??? ...on a similar note, if this is live, how did they block out all 18 other words Russel Brand used in place of the female anatomy? Obviously its scripted, therefore MTV is promoting this bullcrap. I am sick to my stomach.

Number three...
Kanye West. I don't have to say anymore, because his name says enough. Ignorance and hypocrisy.

As a teacher of high school students, I am so saddened when I see girls who "think they are more important from the waist down than the neck up," but now I see why. I also now understand why one of my students (after taking a survey to determine where her opinions placed her on the political spectrum) asked me in all sincerity, "But I got Republican... isn't that bad?"

We (and by we I mean THE MEDIA) are raising a generation of conformists and labeling it "liberation." Children aren't encouraged to think for themselves anymore... they are encouraged to listen to what Kanye West and Russel Brand say on award shows and model that behavior. They are discouraged from following their own thoughts and opinions. They are being taught that sex is no big deal, drugs are no big deal, and if we are lazy... someone will bail us out.

I'm not sure how well I will sleep tonight...

**UPDATE: I have former students on my facebook limited profile, which allows me to see their wall posts. I have had over 10 actually commend Kanye West for his LOW CLASS remarks... get my point yet? America... we're in trouble**

Just a little update...

OK I know it has been FOREVER since I updated... it has been very hectic with school starting back and all. So here's a little update for ya ;)

As I said, school's back in session. It has been so long since I was "the new teacher" at a school I forgot how strange it is! The faculty at NHS is even bigger than my old school, so I have lots and lots of names to remember. My students are great so far... so smart and hard working, too! I am also LOVING having a 90 minute planning period as opposed to the 49 minutes at SVHS. I get so much more accomplished. In fact, I have gotten to leave work by 2:45 every day! I agreed to sponsor the junior class and found out (Friday afternoon mind you) that I have to address them (Monday morning at the junior assembly mind you) and talk about elections, college trips, the ring ceremony, fundraising, and prom (none of which do I know anything about MIND YOU!) So that should be my first "adventure" at NHS... wish me luck.

In other news... we are now in the "2 months and some days" range til Tony comes home... I got to talk to him for a good while today. He is definitely ready to get back on the boat and out of the heat! It has been in the 120s where he is for the last month... o.m.g. He seems to be doing well but ready to come home! I am hoping the Bataan site will have some updated pictures, preferably OF HIM because it's been just too long since I've seen that beautiful smile of his! (am I making you throw up in your mouth? ok I'll stop...)

Oh yeah... and my Steelers are 1-0! WOOOT WOOOOOOT!

All in all... it's been a pretty successful September so far... super busy - but SUCCESSFUL!!!

This one's for Tatiana...

Top Ten Signs Your Facebook Status is TOO LONG:
10. You have more than 5 punctuation marks and/or emoticons. Yes, commas count... you don't need a list longer than 5 on your darn facebook.
9. Before you click "share," try reading your facebook status in ONE breath. If you can't do it, it's too long.
8. Unless you are in labor and dilating VERY quickly, there's no need to update your facebook status more than 3 times per day. Statuses posted within 1 hour of each other should be counted as ONE, and all other rules apply. (amendment - why are you on facebook if you are in labor?)
7. If you have to click "read more..." to view your whole status... IT IS TOO LONG! It should be noted that this should apply to all COMMENTS left on people's facebook statuses... that's what MESSAGES are for people!
6. At no point in time should you be describing more than 3 daily activities in one status.. no one cares that much.
5. If you are mentioning things like bathroom breaks, showers, or brushing your teeth in your facebook status... you are out of control. We all know you are clean. Scratch that - if you are broadcasting your cleansing regimine on facebook, you are probably lying.
4. You aren't in English class... there are no minimum amount of sentences required in your status. It is a statement, not a THESIS.
3. It should not take longer to read your status than to complete the activity described in said status.
2. Do not type your facebook status as if you are having a conversation with yourself. For example "I wonder what I should do today? Maybe I will go to the mall! Then again, I shouldn't spend the money... hmmmm..." Try keeping that convo in your HEAD and when you decide what the eff you are doing, THEN post your status!
1. If at any point in time during this list you felt the need to check your facebook statuses of past, you probably have posted some doozies, so wake up! NO ONE IS THAT INTERESTED!!!!

We MAY have a Tony spotting!!!!

After months of obsessively checking the Bataan website for pictures or updates on my babe... This picture is from the PT on the boat... Tony (I THINK) is second from the left in the front row... he DOES have a watch like that, he IS right handed, he DOES have shoes like that, and that just looks like the top of his head to me... I think I MIGHT have spotted him!!! For those of you that know Tony... tell me what you think!? Is it him???

Halfway Day!!!

Today marks the halfway point in Tony's deployment! Now I can start counting DOWN instead of counting up!!! Lucky girl I am I got a nice long phone call today, too! I asked him if half of his Hershey Kisses I gave him were gone (I gave him a jar with kisses... 1 for each day we'd be apart). He admitted he had eaten pretty much all his kisses in the first month of deployment... well at least he's honest!!! Regardless, we are halfway done and I am so excited to have him home! Let's hope the next half flies by!!! Below are some pictures from the saddest day EVER!!! The day he left...

One and DONE!

Week one was a success!!!! I survived! Though at times, just barely! All of my former Psych students can hopefully tell you that it takes a long time to get your Reticular Activating System whipped into shape after a summer of sleeping in and mid-day naps! New Teacher Orientation was inspiring and I am all ready for go this school year. Also, I went to the school to pick up my official schedule and meet up with the other new folks, and I found out I do NOT have to teach Economics this year! Oh happy day!!!! Other fabulous things I discovered this week:
- All the teachers get free laptops (woot woot)
- My department is considered the "young & fun" department :)
- We don't use textbooks... hollaaaa!
- I can wear jeans on Fridays
- Did I mention I don't have to teach econ?????
- I have a full week off before I have to start back on the 31st
- I only have ONE prep this year!!!!!!!!! SCORE!!!!!!

Add to this fabulousness the fact that Tony has been able to call me almost every day this week and has somehow strategically planned his calls to correspond with all of my breaks in meetings! Gosh what a great week it has been :)

My Last Day of Peace..... ish....

Today is my last day of "summer break" I suppose... though this summer has been a lot of chaos and not much rest! I have "new teacher" orientation tomorrow, which to me just sounds funny, seeing as this is my sixth year teaching. So starting tomorrow I can officially say I am working THREE jobs! Yipes! The online class I teach through Class.com started up last Wednesday, I'll be teaching dance 2 nights a week, and then my normal teacher duties and designing government and economics (barf) curriculum! I am going to be one busy gal! Hopefully the next 3.5 months will FLY BY and then my babe will be home with me and all will be right in the world :)

So here's how I intend to spend my last day of peace: SLEEPING!

Dreams vs. Nightmares

I know this may sound funny at first, but hear me out... why are nightmares given a negative connotation and dreams are considered to be a positive experience? I have found this to be completely backwards!

For example, last night I had the most wonderful, realistic, AMAZING dream about Tony coming home. It was straight out of a Lifetime movie... slow motion running, passionate kiss, all inclusive. However, I woke up (which I suppose is better than the alternative...), rolled over, and saw an empty pillow next to me. It didn't take but seconds for me to remember that the pillow will be empty for months to come. Reality hit, and honestly, I quickly loathed the stupid dream for taunting me with that damn empty pillow.

Nightmares, on the other hand, may be temporary unpleasant hallucinations... but don't you love that warm sense of safety that envelopes you when you wake up? Reality is better in comparison to being chased by vampires, or tales of infidelity or heartbreak, or losing a loved one. I always smile when I wake up from a nightmare because I realize that everything is going to be alright, and whatever misfortune I encountered in my slumber was just a figment of my imagination. Besides, that adrenaline rush you get when you are having a nightmare is increasing your metabolic rate! Umm... ladiessss! That's GREAT right? Less working out while we're awake!

So since we sleep for about 1/3 of our lives, and are awake for the majority, shouldn't we hope to have more frequent nightmares to appreciate the good things in life?? Food for thought.

When you love someone...

You wear their team's jersey (but only if your team isn't playing simultaneously!!!!). To kick off this football season, here's a little proof that love crosses sidelines occasionally! The Redskins picture was taken in the first Redskins/Cowboys game of the 2008 season... which the Redskins won :) The Steelers picture was taken during Super Bowl XLIII where the Steelers became the first team in NFL HISTORY to win 6 Super Bowls!

My worst fear...

Allow me to begin by tooting my own horn for a bit. In just 5 years teaching I have accomplished more than many 10-20-30 year teachers have yet to accomplish or even attempt. I've earned National Board Certification on my first attempt, with only 3 years teaching experience. I've represented SC high school Psychology teachers in Winthrop's Project pSyC. I've coached, tutored, and been nominated for Teacher of the Year. So really, what in the world could inspire such fear in my heart of hearts? ONE WORD rings terror to my core:

Econ.

And I am teaching it next year. Yes, you heard right. Jennifer Smith will be teaching economics next year. I'm choking down vomit as we speak. Lord help me.

Hip Hop Guru

Well I found out yesterday that I got the job teaching hip hop at Energy Level Dance Studio in Virginia Beach. It's just 2 days a week but I can take unlimited classes for free at the studio since I am a teacher there now. Amanda & her friends are already planning to come take my adult hip hop class later this month, which should be freaking hilarious & I can't wait! :) Now I must channel my inner Nappy Tabs... just like the good ol' days of Vybrantz!

The Power of THREE

In my first week as a Virginian - I have come to realize the magic of the number 3....

First off, in any given town, I feel you need to have 3 friends to be socially in "high demand." I was admittedly nervous to move to Virginia while Tony was out to sea, knowing only a handful of his friends and my one friend from high school Amanda. However, after one week, my triumvirate of friends here: Tatiana, Kelley, and Amanda, have provided me with more laughs, dinner dates, and glasses of Riesling than I would have ever expected! Here's a little slice of my weekend pie:

Friday - Went to Tatiana's for steak kabobs with her, Ryan, Kelley, and Brandon. Drank some great white zin. Saw "The Ugly Truth." Great night numero uno.
Saturday - Went to the beach with the girls again. Took pictures with funny statues. Discovered a GREAT restaurant (Catch 31...) and had some great Riesling. People watched & got a tan. Then went out to Paradocks sans boys and had great night numero dos.
Sunday - Lunch with Amanda at Panera. Spent THREE HOURS in Lynnhaven Mall... dear Lord that girl can shop. Heading to Keegans tonight for, I promise you, MORE RIESLING... love it. Great night numero TRES.

With all of this Riesling talk - let me also make note of the fact that in any situation... one should stop after drink, or shot, number THREE. This is the magic number where your psyche knows to stay awake and be social, but not be sloppy drunk and distasteful.

Alas... the power of three.

The Move

Many of you have asked about the move up, so here's a short synopsis!

I OF COURSE made my mother drive the Penske truck, as the largest vehicle I've ever handled was a Ford Explorer! She complained of poor vision on the right side of the truck, which was made apparent when she ran 2 young ladies off of the road on highway 58 just outside Suffolk. Other than that, she did an amazing job! Thanks mom!

Upon arriving at the house, she decided that Jack Daniels was more important than moving in my stuff, so we went out in search of an ABC store and also made a quick stop at Walmart to buy the guys some beers. Our trip to Walmart was halted when the redneck couple in front of us in the "express" lane didn't have enough money to pay for their 10 items (or less). Poor Tatiana had already texted me telling me that her & Ryan were waiting outside the house doing the peepee dance, so I was visibly frustrated. Finally "Jethro" mustered up enough change to pay for their 10 items (or less) and we headed back to the house.

Ryan, clearly a military boy, had already started sizing up my truck and set a personal goal of "30 minutes" (or less). I laughed, he started. He, Daniel, and Jake (wearing flip flops mind you) began hauling butt into the house with one heavy piece of furniture after the next. The girls got the light stuff... and quit halfway through to have a glass of Jack & diet with the mom... And in, I kid you not, THIRTY MINUTES, the boys had finished unloading the truck! It was a feat I never thought possible. They even had time to assemble our bedroom set before we all enjoyed a few adult beverages and told stories about everything from blowing up mailboxes to cross country motorcycle trips. It was a good time... and I am so thankful to all of you that helped!!!

Welcome!

Well I have been blogging for years on various sites... and by "blogging for years" I mean I'll start a blog, update it once, and then forget about it! Given my current situation, I think it's just about that time that I buckle down and stick to it in sincere hopes of keeping in touch with my family and Pittsburgh and friends in Columbia! ...and of course just for fun, too.

SO... here's some background info for those who are wondering:
Last Saturday I moved from Columbia, SC (my home for 5 years) to Chesapeake, VA (where my boyfriend Tony lives). Tony is in the US Navy and is currently deployed (insert frowny emoticon here). As a teacher I have a pretty finite window for changing locations, so I decided back in December that I would begin a job search up here in hopes of moving over the summer, despite the fact that Tony would be gone. Luckily I scored a wonderful job. I'm pretty excited but also nervous to start my new life up here! Hence the blog!!! Enjoy, and keep in touch!